Florida Sheriffs to Share Progress on Immigration Enforcement Changes

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Key Takeaways

• Florida mandates sheriffs and correctional officers join the federal 287(g) program by April 1, 2025, for immigration enforcement.
• New state laws create a crime for unauthorized entry, repeal in-state tuition for undocumented students, effective July 1, 2025.
• Over $300 million allocated for enforcement includes law enforcement bonuses and ICE access to state detention facilities.

Florida sheriffs are preparing to deliver an update on the state’s recent efforts to enforce immigration laws, marking a significant transformation in how state and local authorities deal with immigration matters. These developments follow a series of new laws and agreements that expand the responsibilities of Florida’s law enforcement, placing the state at the forefront of immigration enforcement nationwide.

On February 20, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a set of new Memoranda of Agreement between Florida law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agreements, which affect several state entities — including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Florida State Guard — empower Florida authorities to execute federal immigration tasks under ICE’s direction. Among these powers are interrogating individuals about their immigration status, arresting individuals suspected of violating immigration law, and serving warrants for those charged with immigration violations. Florida officers are also authorized to detain individuals for examination by federal immigration agencies, administer oaths, and process detainees through actions like fingerprinting and photographing.

Florida Sheriffs to Share Progress on Immigration Enforcement Changes

Governor DeSantis explained the importance of these agreements, stating, “By allowing our state agents and law enforcement officers to be trained and approved by ICE, Florida will now have more enforcement personnel deputized to assist federal partners.” This move signals the state’s intent to not only extend its role in immigration enforcement but also to streamline the deportation process. As part of the agreements, Florida authorities can now issue immigration detainers and start preparing removal paperwork, cutting down the time it takes for individuals to go through the federal deportation process.

Coinciding with these measures, Florida passed two sweeping immigration laws on February 15, 2025. These laws introduced some of the most stringent provisions related to immigration enforcement at the state level. For example, they established a new state-level crime for unauthorized entry into Florida, set the death penalty without jury discretion for undocumented individuals convicted of capital felonies, and required local law enforcement agencies to notify ICE about any suspected undocumented immigrant. They also mandated that all Florida sheriffs and correctional officers enroll in the federal 287(g) program, a partnership allowing local authorities to assist with federal immigration activities, by April 1, 2025. Another major change included the repeal of in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students in public colleges and universities, which will take effect on July 1, 2025.

To support these sweeping changes, Florida has allocated over $300 million in state funds to enforcement efforts. This financial package includes bonuses for law enforcement officers who participate in immigration-related operations and funding that allows ICE to use Florida’s state and county detention facilities. In this context, the forthcoming update from Florida sheriffs offers a closer look at how these measures are being translated into action at the local level.

A key component of Florida’s revamped immigration strategy is the newly established State Immigration Enforcement Council. Signed into law on February 13, 2025, through Senate Bill 2C, the council serves as an advisory body to the state’s newly created Board of Immigration Enforcement. It is tasked with guiding the state on how best to collaborate with federal immigration officials. The council is composed of four sheriffs, including Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. In addition, St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke and three other police chiefs join them on the council.

The council’s responsibilities are wide-ranging. They include coordinating with ICE on law enforcement training, advising on local enforcement strategies to reduce illegal immigration, recommending financial resources for local jurisdictions, and improving communication among state, local, and federal authorities. Strategies to increase detention capacity for immigration-related arrests are also part of the council’s mandate. Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted the council’s role, stating, “The State Immigration Enforcement Council will serve as a voice for local law enforcement and help make certain we are ready to assist the Trump Administration with the most significant crackdown on illegal immigration in the nation.”

Florida sheriffs have already begun adapting to these changes, taking on new responsibilities while navigating the complexities of their expanded roles under federal agreements. The training of state officers to meet ICE standards is a key component of this effort. Florida officers participating in these agreements must be adequately trained to carry out federal immigration functions—a process involving coordination with ICE for both technical and procedural guidance.

While the state’s shift in immigration policy has the enthusiastic support of law enforcement leaders like Sheriff Judd, some lawmakers and advocacy organizations have raised concerns. Critics argue that the laws and agreements could lead to racial profiling and undermine community trust in law enforcement. Representative Anna Eskamani has been vocal about the potential risks, warning that heightened immigration enforcement may discourage undocumented victims of crime from approaching authorities for help. These concerns highlight the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and fostering an environment where individuals, regardless of immigration status, feel safe engaging with law enforcement.

The new set of laws and agreements also comes at a time of national debate over the role states should play in immigration enforcement, which is traditionally a federal responsibility. Florida’s actions serve as a notable example of how a state can assert its role in matters of immigration through collaboration with federal agencies. As reported by VisaVerge.com, states like Florida are increasingly shaping immigration policies that could influence federal strategies moving forward. Other states may watch closely to see how Florida’s measures develop and whether they deliver the intended results without sparking significant social and legal pushback.

One of the more controversial aspects of these new policies is the mandate for sheriffs and correctional officers to join the 287(g) program. Although the program allows local agencies to help enforce federal laws, it has often been the subject of criticism for its impact on vulnerable communities. Florida’s decision to make participation mandatory by April 1, 2025, underscores its commitment to enforcing immigration laws but adds to the debate on whether such measures risk alienating residents in immigrant communities.

In addition to collaborating with federal authorities, Florida law enforcement faces logistical challenges as these policies are implemented. Coordinating efforts across local, state, and federal jurisdictions requires clear communication and defined priorities, particularly when handling cases involving detention or deportation. The allocation of resources for detention facilities, training programs, and operational expenses reflects significant investment, but questions remain about long-term sustainability.

The upcoming update from Florida sheriffs will likely shed light on the impacts of these measures, offering initial data on arrests, detentions, and deportations. It may also reveal how local agencies have adjusted operationally and how early challenges are being addressed. Furthermore, insights from the sheriffs could provide a blueprint for other states considering similar initiatives.

As Florida moves forward with its expanded enforcement measures, the broader implications for federal and state coordination in immigration enforcement remain profound. The sheriffs’ perspective is expected to be instrumental in shaping how these policies progress over time and in addressing both public concerns and operational hurdles. For up-to-date information on immigration policies and enforcement, readers can visit the official ICE website at https://www.ice.gov.

Learn Today

Immigration Detainer → A request by ICE to local authorities to hold an individual suspected of violating immigration laws for federal custody.
287(g) Program → A partnership allowing state and local agencies to perform federal immigration enforcement tasks under ICE supervision.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) → A formal document outlining responsibilities and terms for collaboration between organizations, such as state agencies and ICE.
State Immigration Enforcement Council → A Florida advisory body guiding law enforcement on collaboration with federal immigration authorities and enhancing enforcement strategies.
In-State Tuition Benefits → Reduced college tuition rates for residents of a state, which Florida rescinded for undocumented students under new laws.

This Article in a Nutshell

Florida’s intensified immigration crackdown reshapes law enforcement roles statewide. With new agreements empowering officers to perform federal immigration duties, concerns rise over racial profiling and community trust. The $300M investment bolsters detention capacity and enforcement training. As sheriffs update progress, Florida’s pioneering approach sparks national attention, balancing public safety with potential societal challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com